Unknown: I'll do it. Give me a week.
Unknown: Don't forget to keep your end of the deal.
June smirked once he saw a new text. He didn't have to think hard to conclude that it was Bo Wen.
How he got his number was a mystery, considering he didn't give it to Haruki or any of the CHAOS members just yet, but Bo Wen has always been great with information, so June wasn't surprised.
June: I will...if I'm satisfied.
Unknown: You're a menace.
Unknown: You better tell me where my family is.
June shook his head as he silenced his phone, placing it in his pocket and going out of his room.
It was already lunchtime, and some of the members went out to film some promotional content for their comeback.
Currently, only Jisung and Akira were in the dorm with him.
As June arrived at the living room, he wasn't surprised when he saw the two of them watching a noontime drama.
"Another show?" June asked, gazing at the screen.
"Yup! It's a fantasy periodical slash historical show!" Jisung exclaimed, his eyes focused on the screen.
"After the success of Hana Lim's past drama, these types of shows are getting more and more popular!" he added.
"Is it any good?" June asked, sitting beside him.
"Of course," Akira said. "Why else would it be popular? Although, this one doesn't come close to Hana Lim's last project."
The clock made a loud sound once it hit 12, and so did Jisung's and Akira's stomachs.
"June, make us food," Akira said, holding onto his arm.
June clicked his tongue and pushed him away.
"I already made some this morning. It's in the kitchen," June said.
"Oh, there is?" Akira asked. "I'll go get some for us then."
June shook his head. "You should really start looking for things with your eyes and not with your mouth."
"Geez," Akira said as he stood. "You sound like my mom."
June pursed his lips since he did sound very mom-like just now.
Jisung chuckled and nudged his shoulder.
"Don't worry!" Jisung exclaimed. "We like how you nag us. If you weren't here, then this house would have turned upside down while being covered with cockroach eggs!"
Just then, their conversation was cut short by the loud sound of the next show's soundtrack.
June and Jisung turned their attention to the screen, looking at the familiar logo.
"It's Surprise Disguise Singer," Jisung pointed out. "You're going to be filming for this show tomorrow, right?"
"Yeah," June said, scratching the back of his head. "However, I still don't have any idea what I'm going to sing for the second round."
"What?" Jisung asked, looking at him with wide eyes. "I thought you were supposed to have submitted your song choices by now!"
"I have," June said. "They told me I can submit as many songs as I like and pick one tomorrow. However, I still haven't chosen a song among the roster."
"What about your duet performance?" Jisung asked.
"Well, Jay had given me the song and the parts I need to practice. I've been practicing it for the past week, so I think I can win against my opponent. It's the solo stage that I'm worried about."
During the first round of the show, contestants were paired randomly with another challenger, and they had to sing a duet even without any prior practice.
Their management would give them the parts they needed to sing, and it was up to them how they were going to sing the joint parts.
June was planning on approaching Magic Mama to ask for tips on how to shine better in a duet. However, she said she was busy and couldn't conduct any classes for the next two weeks.
In the end, June had to practice the song all on his own. He hoped that he could increase his vocal stats before the show was filmed.However, he inferred that it would be pretty hard to move up from SS to an SSS in just a week.
"We can help you choose one!" Jisung excitedly said.
Just in time, Akira arrived at the living room with three bowls of curry rice in his arms. He placed them down on the table and exclaimed excitedly when he saw that Disguise Surprise Singer was on.
"Are you monitoring the show?" Akira asked, already shoving a spoonful of food inside his mouth.
June nodded. "I was so busy practicing for the whole week that I didn't check whose the current 'Disguised.'"
"What do you mean?" Akira asked. "The 'Disguised' has been the same person for quite some time now. It's 'Legendary Guitarman' with his guitar-shaped mask and signature ripped black slacks!"
"It's still him?" Jisung exclaimed. "Dang. It's been a while. Has it been seven or eight weeks now?"
"Nine!" Akira answered. "Guitarman has been the reigning champion for nine weeks. June has some tough competition, I tell you. He's the longest-ever 'Disguised' in the entirety of the show! If he wins today, then he's going to the double digits."
The show finally started with the duet rounds, and they could tell right away that the current challenges weren't up to par with Guitarman.
June didn't really monitor the show, but he had heard of a lot of people hyping Guitarman on Navel. The fact that he won nine times was a great testament to that.
"So, what are yougoing to sing in the first round?" Akira asked.
"Life of the Party," June said.
"Oh, it's a rock song," Akira smiled. "That's great, then. You haven't delved much into rock, so I'm looking forward to it."
"He doesn't know what to sing for the second round, though," Jisung chimed, causing Akira to choke on a piece of carrot.
The two merely watched him as he nearly asphyxiated. Then, June merely handed him a glass of water when the choking episode finally finished.
"Goodness. I feel really loved," Akira sarcastically said.
June sighed, running his fingers through his hair, and ignroing Akira's statement.
"I have a few options, but I honestly don't know what to choose. I don't even have a disguise," June said.
"The filming is tomorrow," Akira deadpanned. "You should have asked for our help!"
"It escaped my mind," June said. "I was busy practicing and honing my skills."
"Gosh," Akira said, feeling frustrated. "I guess it's time for me to whip up my idea."
"You have a costume in mind?" June asked.
"Of course. In fact, I already have one made," Akira meaningfully smiled.
"What do you mean?" June frowned in confusion.
"I've been watching Surprise Disguise Singer ever since it aired, and I've noticed that there are two types of participants who always become popular on the show—those that have exceptional vocal skills and those with an unexpected costume."
"Oh goodness," June said, already dreading Akira's suggestion.
"You already have the first criteria down, so I asked Jay to get his mom to make you a costume after it was announced you had been chosen!" he excitedly exclaimed.
Jisung clapped excitedly. "You're such a good friend! I should have thought of that!"
Meanwhile, June continued being wary.
"Let's hear it," June suspiciously said.
"How about…Thongman?"
